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Abstract:

The present disclosure relates to a method for operating functions of a
vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, by means of an operating
element. The operating element comprises a touch-sensitive operating
surface, wherein via the operating surface a plurality of functions can
be operated, and the respective functions are each assigned part regions
of the operating surface. The position of the hand of the operator is
determined and the respective position of the respective part regions is
assigned relative to the position of the hand of the operator.
Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a corresponding device.

Claims:

1. A method for operating functions of a vehicle, comprising: providing
an operating element, which comprises a touch-sensitive operating
surface; wherein operating via the operating surface a plurality of
functions, wherein the respective functions are each assigned part
regions of the operating surface; determining a position of a hand of the
operator; and assigning the respective position of the respective part
regions relative to the position of the hand of the operator.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the position of the hand is
determined with the help of the touch-sensitive operating surface.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the position of the hand of
the operator is determined by means of the position of the ball of the
thumb of the hand .

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the alignment of the hand or
of the ball of the thumb of the operator is determined.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operable functions are
represented on a display.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a display takes place only
when a contact of the ball of the thumb of the operator is determined on
the operating surface.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein for assigning the position of
the part regions, calibration data are used.

8. The method according to claims 1, wherein the operating surface
assigns between two and five part regions for a corresponding number of
functions.

9. The method according to claims 8, wherein the part regions are
arranged within a parallelogram, triangle or trapezium.

10. The method according to claims 9, wherein the position of the part
regions is displayed on the display.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein a representation of a hand
relative to the part regions is displayed on the display.

12. A device for operating functions of a vehicle, comprising: an
operating element with a touch-sensitive operating surface, via which a
plurality of functions are operated, wherein the respective functions are
assigned part regions of the operating surface.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the operating surface is
formed for the simultaneous detection of a plurality of touches in
different positions.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein the operating element
comprises a display which is arranged on the operating surface.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application No.
10 2012 011 177.0, filed June 6, 2012, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technical field relates to a method for operating functions of
a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, by means of an operating
element which comprises a touch-sensitive operating surface, wherein via
the operating surface a plurality of functions can be operated, wherein
the respective functions are each assigned part regions of the operating
surface. The technical field furthermore relates to a corresponding
device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Methods and devices of the type mentioned at the outset are known
in the prior art. For operating functions of a vehicle, in particular
motor vehicle, a number of different operating elements are usual, in
particular levers, switches, push buttons and the like. To operate
multi-media functions, for example radios, music playback devices or
further motor vehicle functions such as navigation systems,
air-conditioning settings, other motor vehicle settings and the like,
turn and press controller, joysticks and touch-sensitive screens are
additionally known.

[0004] From DE 10 2005 056 458 A1 it is known to superimpose a video image
of hand of a user which is situated at the location of a central
operating element with an operating display. By means of this, a direct
operation similar to a touch screen operation by the user is visually
permitted. The actual operation however is carried out offset on a touch
pad. The hand operating the touch pad is detected by means of a digital
video camera and subsequently the hand is separated from a background in
a detected video image and superimposed on the operating display.

[0005] In DE 10 2009 057 739 an operating device for a vehicle having an
operating element is additionally disclosed, which comprises an operating
surface and a detecting device, with which a location of a finger of a
user on the operating surface can be detected, in which with the
detecting device a pressure with which the finger presses on the
operating surface can also be detected and the detected location and the
detected pressure can be provided by the detecting device and an image
corresponding to the detected location and the detected pressure can be
displayed on a display unit that is separated from the operating element
and the detecting device.

[0006] However, the operation of corresponding devices requires a
comparatively high degree of attention.

[0007] In addition, other objects, desirable features and characteristics
will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed
description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings and this background.

SUMMARY

[0008] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method for operating
functions of a vehicle, in particular motor vehicle and a corresponding
device which can be operated with less attention and more intuitively.

[0009] The method according to the present disclosure for operating
functions of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, is carried out
by means of an operating element, which comprises a touch-sensitive
operating surface. Such a touch-sensitive operating surface in particular
is a surface extended in two dimensions, which can be divided into a
plurality of part regions.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, a plurality of functions can
be operated via the operating surface. The respective functions are each
assigned part regions of the operating surface. The part regions thus
correspond to conventional operating elements. When, by means of the
method according to the present disclosure, for example multimedia
functions of a motor vehicle are operated, for example volume
(loud/soft), title jump (forward/backwards) can be simultaneously offered
for operation by means of the operating surface. In a configuration, in
which a vehicle air-conditioning can be operated, temperature and
ventilation can be adjustable. It is also conceivable that a
corresponding function makes possible the change into another menu level.
In this way, the complete vehicle control, which is possible with known
turn and press controllers or touch-sensitive displays can be displayed
with the method according to the present disclosure.

[0011] According to the present disclosure it is provided, furthermore,
that the position of a hand of the operator is determined and the
respective position of the respective part regions is signed relative to
the position of the hand of the operator. Determining the position of the
hand can for example be carried out through a camera directed at the
operating surface or through sensors. Thus, within the scope of the
present disclosure, each of the part regions are not assigned fixed
positions on the operating surface but variable ones on the operating
surface, but which are each aligned in a fixed manner with respect to the
position of the hand of the user. It is thereby achieved that no matter
how the user positions the hand relative to the operating surface, the
part surfaces are always in the same place. Intuitive operation of the
vehicle is thus possible.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the position
of the hand is determined with the help of the touch-sensitive operating
surface. This is possible if the operating surface is designed in order
to detect a plurality of touches in different locations on the operating
surface at the same time. Within the scope of this further development,
the provision of external cameras or sensors for detecting the position
of the hand can be omitted.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the position
of the hand of the user can be determined by means of the position of the
ball of the thumb. In particular, this can take place with the help of
the operating surface itself, on which the operator can rest the ball of
the thumb. This further development makes possible a comfortable
operation since the user need not hold the hand suspended over the
operating field but put it down.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
alignment of the hand or of the ball of the thumb of the operator can be
determined In this way, the positioning of the part surfaces on the
operating surface can be more accurately adapted to the attitude and
relative position of the hand of the operator.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operable
functions can be displayed on a display. In this way, the operation of a
plurality of operating levels is simplified and the operation becomes
more intuitive. The display can either be connected to the operating
surface or be formed separately. A separate formation can be realized in
the form of a view-favorably arranged display. In the case of a motor
vehicle, such a display can for example be arranged in the instrument
panel. A further possibility is the use of a projection device, which
projects into a windshield (head-up display).

[0016] In addition to pressing actuations of the operating surface, other
modes of actuation are also conceivable, for example linearly or
circularly stroking actuations, as a result of which the scope of
operation is increased. This can be correspondingly displayed on the
display.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure the display
can take place only when a resting of the ball of the thumb of the
operator on the operating surface is determined This prevents a possible
distraction of the operator, in particular of the driver of a vehicle, in
which the method according to the present disclosure is realized.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure it can be
provided that for assigning the position of the part regions, calibration
data are co-used. Such calibration data can be won from a calibration
operation, in which the individual operating hand ergonomics are
determined This includes for example the size or the hand and/or the
length of the fingers as well as of the thumb.

[0019] The calibration data can be coupled to a detection of the
respective user. The vehicle key or seat and other vehicle settings used
can for example be employed for this purpose.

[0020] Without calibration, part regions which if applicable extend
wedge-like from the contact region of the ball of the thumb to the
outside can be used. Since these part regions can also overlap, the
detection accuracy under certain conditions can be lower than the
detection accuracy with calibration.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure the operating
surface can assign between two and five, in particular five part regions
for a corresponding number of functions. Thus, maximally or exactly one
part region is assigned for each finger or thumb. The operation is
thereby simplified since the fingers need not be repositioned.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the part
regions can be arranged within a parallelogram, triangle or trapezium.
Such an arrangement reflects the ergonomical circumstances of hands.

[0023] The size of parallelogram, triangle or trapezium can be determined
through calibration.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure the position
of the part regions can be displayed on the display. Although the
operator would not have to look onto the operating surface directly for
operating, he can get a secure sense with the display of the position of
the part regions to actuate the respective desired function.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a
representation of a hand relative to the part regions can be displayed on
the display. This facilitates the user's orientation, he can move quickly
perceive which function is assigned to which finger.

[0026] A first independent subject of the present disclosure relates to a
device for operating functions of a vehicle, in particular of a motor
vehicle, having an operating element with a touch-sensitive operating
surface, via which a plurality of functions can be operated, wherein the
respective functions can each be assigned part regions of the operating
surface.

[0027] The device according to the present disclosure is designed in order
to carry out the method described before, it can be used in particular to
determine the position of a hand of the operator and the respective
position of the respective part regions can be assigned relative to the
position of the hand of the operator.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure it can be
provided that the operating element is designed for the simultaneous
detection of a plurality of touches in different positions on the
operating surface.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
operating element can comprise a display on which the operating surface
is arranged.

[0030] A further independent subject of the present disclosure relates to
a device for operating functions of a vehicle, in particular of a motor
vehicle, having an operating element which comprises a touch-sensitive
operating surface, wherein via the operating surface a plurality of
functions can be operated, wherein part regions of the operating surface
can be assigned to each of the respective functions. Here, means for
determining the position of a hand of the user and means for assigning
the respective position of the respective part regions relative to the
position of the hand of the user are provided.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the means
for determining the position of the hand of the user can be the
touch-sensitive operating surface.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, means for
determining the position of the hand of the operator by means of the
position of the ball of the thumb can be provided.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, means for
determining the alignment of the hand or of the ball of the thumb of the
operator can be provided.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, means for
calibration can be provided, with the help of which calibration data can
be generated, which can be co-used for assigning the position of the part
regions.

[0035] A person skilled in the art can gather other characteristics and
advantages of the disclosure from the following description of exemplary
embodiments that refers to the attached drawings, wherein the described
exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals
denote like elements, and wherein:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a motor vehicle having a device for operating the motor
vehicle according to the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 2 is an operating surface of the device according to the
present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a display of the device according to the present
disclosure; and

[0040] FIG. 4 is an operating surface of the device according to the
present disclosure during the calibration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the application
and uses of the present disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to
be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the
following detailed description.

[0042] FIG. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 2 with a device 4
according to the present disclosure for operating the motor vehicle 2.
The components of the device 4 are framed in interrupted lines.

[0043] The device 4 comprises an operating surface 6. The operating
surface 6 is a touch-sensitive surface which detects pressure exerted on
it by the hand (finger, ball of the thumb) and the location in which the
pressure is exerted.

[0044] Furthermore, the operating surface 6 is able to detect a plurality
of touches with a hand occurring in different locations simultaneously.
From the applied pressure pattern, pressure contours are generally
determined initially and from these the position of the hand (ball of
thumb/fingers). In different embodiments, the operating surface 6 can
have a display located underneath or not.

[0045] To this end, the operating surface 6 can work according to known
principles, in particular capacitively, resistively or optically or with
mixed forms thereof

[0046] The operating surface 6 is connected to a control 8 in a
signal-conducting manner. The control 8 interprets the signals of the
operating surface 6 and from these derives control commands for the motor
vehicle control. The control 8 can be part of a primary motor vehicle
control or can be formed separately. In the latter case, the control 8
can be connected to the motor vehicle control in a signal conducting
manner.

[0047] A display 10 is furthermore connected to the control 8. Instead of
the direct connection between control 8 and display 10 shown here, an
indirect connection can also be provided, for example via a motor vehicle
control.

[0048] The display 10 serves to display the functions which can be
controlled with the device 4 according to the present disclosure at the
time of the display. In addition to this, further information can be
displayed on the display 10, e.g. with respect to a motor vehicle
navigation, time, outside temperature and/or vehicle-specific displays.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows an operating surface 6 of the device 4 according to
the present disclosure.

[0050] The operating surface 6 is divided into a plurality of part regions
12 to 20. Information regarding a pressure on one of these part regions
12 to 20 detected by the operating surface 6 are transmitted from the
operating surface 6 to the control 8, which converts this information
into an operating command.

[0051] The position of the part regions 12 to 20 is defined by the device
4 according to the present disclosure as a function of the position of a
hand 22. The part regions 12 to 20 are distributed over the operating
surface in such a manner that each part surface corresponds to a thumb
(part region 12) or a finger (part regions 14 to 20).

[0052] For determining the absolute position of the fingers of the hand
22, the device 4 determines the position and alignment of a support area
24 of a ball of the thumb of the hand 22, which is placed on the
operating surface 6. The support area 24 of a ball of a thumb has a
characteristic size and shape which can be determined by the user surface
6. Here, the support area 24 is represented simplified as an ellipse.

[0053] By way of the position of the ellipse 24 relative to the operating
surface 6, which can be relatively easily determined by computation by
way of the position and alignment of a half-axis 26 and a small half-axis
28, the part regions over which the fingers of the hand 22 are located is
derived by the device 4. Thus, the device 4 can assign the position of
the respective part regions 12 to 20 on the operating surface 6. This can
be carried out vectorially as shown. The origin in the present exemplary
embodiment is arranged in an intersection of the two half axes 26, 28.

[0054] For defining the position of the part regions 12 to 20, additional
calibration data are utilized, via which the vectors, as in the present
case, can be defined for the individual part regions 12 to 20. The
calibration method is explained in more detail in connection with FIG. 4.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows the display 10 of the device 4 according to the
present disclosure. In the shown example, the device 4 is currently used
for operating audio functions.

[0056] In the shown configuration, the adjustment of the volume and title
jumps are simultaneously possible. With the part region 14, which can be
operated with the index finger, it is possible to increase the volume,
with the part region 16, which can be operated with the middle finger, it
can be reduced. The part region 18 assigned to the ring finger allows a
title jump backwards, part region 20 results in a jump to the next title
through pressing the operating surface 4. Pressure on part region 12,
which can be exerted with the thumb, causes a jump back into a superior
menu level.

[0057] In the display 10, a representation of the hand 22 of the user is
faded in in addition to a representation of the part regions 12 to 20.
The user will thus know which finger has to be used for a specific
function.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows the operating surface 6 of the device according to the
present disclosure during the calibration.

[0059] A large hand 22 and a small hand 30 are shown. The range of the
large hand 22 is much greater than that of the small hand 30. According
to the method according to the present disclosure, the part regions 12 to
20 are to be arranged so that they can be operated from the small hand 30
just like by the large hand 22. This requires that the part regions 12 to
20 the small hand 30 have to be arranged substantially nearer to the
support area 24 of the palms of the hands 22, 30.

[0060] During the calibration, the respective user can be requested to
press the respective fingers in succession on the operating surface 6.
The device 2 can thereby individually determine vectors starting out from
a specific point of the hand contact region 24 for each operator and each
finger.

[0061] Alternatively, it can be provided that the respective user presses
his hand as a whole onto the operating surface 6 so that the device 2
determines the different pressure regions and from this can determine the
extents of the respective hand 22, 30.

[0062] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the
foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast
number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the
exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are
not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the
present disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description
will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for
implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various
changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described
in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.